BJP people instigated others to burn crackers, says Gopal Rai
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai accused individuals associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of instigating the burning of firecrackers on Diwali, contributing to a significant overnight increase of over 100 points in the national capital’s air quality index.
Rai mentioned that the firecrackers used in Delhi were sourced from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, and alleged that certain individuals, including police personnel from these states, allowed the transportation of these firecrackers to the city. The statement reflects concerns about the impact of firecracker usage on air quality, especially during festivals, and suggests political involvement in the matter.
Gopal Rai remarked that Delhi would not be facing its current air quality issues if the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana had effectively implemented the ban on firecrackers and if their police had fulfilled their responsibilities adequately. He also stated that stringent measures, including a ban on construction activities and the entry of polluting trucks into Delhi as part of Stage IV of the central government’s air pollution control plan, would persist in the capital until further directives are issued. These measures indicate ongoing efforts to address and mitigate air pollution concerns in Delhi.
In response to a significant increase in pollution levels and the return of a smoky haze to Delhi on Monday morning, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced the extension of the government’s campaign to control dust pollution until November 30. Additionally, a month-long drive against open burning of waste is scheduled to commence from November 14. These measures were implemented following violations of the ban on firecrackers during Diwali night, which contributed to a spike in pollution.
Despite the challenges, Delhi recorded its best air quality on Diwali day in eight years on Sunday, with the 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) settling at 218 at 4 pm. The government’s ongoing initiatives reflect a commitment to address and curb various sources of pollution in the city. This includes measures to control dust pollution, curb open burning of waste, and enforce regulations to improve overall air quality in the region. The emphasis on sustained efforts indicates the recognition of the persistent challenges posed by air pollution and the commitment to finding comprehensive solutions.
Despite recording its best air quality on Diwali day in eight years, the persisting bursting of firecrackers until late on Sunday night led to a spike in pollution levels, exacerbated by low temperatures. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi stood at 275 (in the poor category) at 7 am and gradually increased to 322 by 12 noon. In certain areas, pollution levels approached the “severe” category (AQI between 400 and 450), including Ayanagar (382), Central Road Research Institute (393), and Pusa (391). This escalation underscores the challenges in maintaining air quality, especially during festivals, and the need for sustained efforts to address contributing factors.
The post-Diwali pollution in Delhi reached alarming levels, particularly concerning fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In various areas, the concentration of PM2.5 exceeded the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic meter by six to seven times. Firecracker bursting during Diwali exacerbated the situation, pushing the PM2.5 concentration at specific locations, including Okhla and Jahangirpuri, to over 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter in the early morning hours. These heightened levels of PM2.5 present substantial health risks, as these fine particles can deeply penetrate the respiratory system, triggering respiratory problems and other health issues.
The observed data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustained measures to mitigate air pollution in the region. It highlights the importance of enforcing and promoting practices that address the sources of pollution, including stricter regulations on firecracker usage, controlling industrial emissions, and promoting cleaner modes of transportation. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and community engagement are crucial in fostering a collective effort to combat air pollution and safeguard public health.
